Super Bowl champions subdued as they arrive at Sea-Tac

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll disembarks at Sea-Tac. He shook hands with all the people on hand to greet the team. (Erika Schultz / Seattle Times photo)

The Seahawks have landed.

The Super Bowl champions’ Delta plane arrived around 6 p.m. Monday to a crowd of at least 60 family members, friends and airport employees waiting on the airport ramp.

First off the plane was Coach Pete Carroll, who arrived to cheers from a crowd that had been waiting for more than an hour.

The team has been scheduled to arrive at Sea-Tacoma International Airport earlier in the day, but the plane made a detour in Minneapolis for a crew change and de-icing.

Before getting on one of four buses that took the team to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC), Carroll said hello and shook hands with those in the crowd.

The team was largely subdued, with passengers acknowledging the crowd with waves and “No. 1.” Richard Sherman received one of the loudest receptions as he hobbled down the steps and walked toward the bus while using crutches.

Once all passengers were off the plane, flight crews waved to the crowd and brandished a “12” flag before preparing to leave for their next destination in Atlanta.

“I hope they didn’t trash the plane too much,” one airport worker said. “But maybe they left the trophy in one of the seats.”

Later, despite the urging of Renton Police that fans stay away, dozens were gathered near the intersection of Lake Washington Boulevard North and Seahawks Way to greet the team.

Fans in Seahawks gear chanted and cheered as the buses approached VMAC, then cheered some more as players left in cars.

Diana Fishel brought three nieces to the Renton fan gathering. After the Super Bowl, they drove from Washougal, Clark County, to Renton and stayed overnight in a hotel.

The big fan celebrations will be Wednesday with a midday parade through downtown Seattle. It starts at 11 a.m. on Fourth Avenue just south of Denny Way and will wind up at about 1:30 at CenturyLink Field.

Seattle Times staff reporter Safiya Merchant contributed to this report.

About The Today File

The Today File is a general news blog featuring real-time coverage of Seattle and the Northwest. It is reported by the news staff of The Seattle Times and includes stories from The Associated Press and McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.